September embers

September Tid-Bits

• 9 - 18 (call me crazy, but it didn't seem that bad - maybe because I was looking at individual performances as opposed to team results)
• batted .222 as a team for the month
• -34 run differential for the month, -119 overall

AT THE PLATE

Justin did what he needed to do - had a strong finish to the end of what was a devastating year for him personally and a disappointing on professionally.  He batted .301 w/3 homers and 11 RBI for September

For the first time in his major league career, Ichiro did not record 200 hits.  A drop off in production was inevitable, age happens.  But, I don't think anyone could have predicted a decline this rapid.  Or, was it just one bad year?

Dustin had a drop off in September ... hopefully means he just needs to adapt to the longer major league season - he still put together a pretty impressive rookie season.

ON THE MOUND

Jason Vargas had a great rebound in September after being inconsistent much of the season - he went 3-1 for the month with a 2.84ERA

Blake Beavan had his ups and downs but showed some positive signs and a has a real chance to compete for the rotation next spring

IN THE PEN

THIS was the 'pen's month!  They posted the lowest ERA (2.51) for the month and the second lowest WHIP (1.11)
Four relievers (League, Wilhelmsen, Kelley and Wright) pitched double-digit innings for the month all with ERA's under 2.00 (in fact, Shawn and Jamey each had NO ERA).  And, Brandon continued to prove his ability in the closer roll - FIVE more saves.

OF BASE PATHS AND LEATHER WORKS

Mike Carp made some REALLY great plays in LF ... who knew?

Kyle Seager was adequate at 3B (and showed some versatility filling in a SS and 2B)

Ichiro has lost all ... he added 7 stolen bases in September to finish the year with an even 40

SEPTEMBER STAR

I'm going with Shawn Kelley....
Back off the DL as September 2nd, every outing was at least ONE inning (one was TWO) and he just seemed to get stronger as the month wore on (boding well for next season).  His last outing, he struck out the side.  Welcome Back, Shawn!

He's a pretty decent tweeter, too ...  @shawnkelley23

INFIRMARY

Guti, just as he was getting back his stroke, suffered a severely strained oblique on a swing early in the month.  Here's hoping he'll be able to recover fully and be able to have a full, regular spring training.

Casper Wells was diagnosed with "vertigo-like" symptoms after being out for nearly a couple of weeks, suffering from vision and balance issues.  Supposedly, he's on medication that's helping and he'll be playing winter ball in Venezuela.